Unalakleet, Alaska is a small coastal village located on the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, with a population of around 700 people, primarily Inupiat. Despite its remote location, the community is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition, with a strong emphasis on family, culture, and resilience. The local school, operated by the Bering Strait School District, serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is a central hub for education and community activities. Unalakleet is also well known as a key checkpoint in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which brings excitement and visitors to the village each March as mushers and their teams race through the snowy wilderness. With stunning views of the tundra, rich cultural heritage, and a deep connection to the land and sea, Unalakleet is a place like no other. 

This summer’s STEM camp in the village of Unalakleet, Alaska, offered an unforgettable week of hands-on learning and exploration for local youth, with students ranging in age from 6 to 14. Among the many exciting classes, the drone course quickly became a crowd favorite. Taught by Jason Allen, the class introduced students to the basics of drone technology, including flight dynamics, real-world applications, and even simple coding. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students were contagious, and it was inspiring to watch them engage so eagerly with new tools and ideas. The camp also included lessons in fish anatomy, the importance of clean drinking water, hydraulics, solar energy, and other STEM-related topics, all tailored to connect science to the students’ lives in rural Alaska.

The opportunity to stand on the edge of the Bering Sea, surrounded by the beauty and history of the region, was a powerful and humbling experience for the visiting educators. For Jason Allen, the trip was not only a chance to teach but also a meaningful cultural exchange. He expressed his deep appreciation for the chance to work with the amazing students of Unalakleet and to be part of such a vibrant community. A special thank you goes to Cristina Poleacov and Chris Robinson for the invitation, to Caleb for all of his behind-the-scenes efforts, and to every teacher (and photographer, Mark Looney) who contributed their time, energy, and heart to making the camp a success.

Jason is also incredibly grateful to the Bering Strait School District for their support, as well as to the Iowa State University for allowing him to be part of this unique and impactful experience. The school administration’s early invitation to return next year is a testament to the success of the camp and the connections made. Everyone involved is excited for the opportunity to continue building relationships and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Unalakleet.

I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Iowa State University for sponsoring our recent trip to Unalakleet, Alaska. Your generous support made it possible for us to bring an engaging and inspiring STEM camp to the students in the village.

Thanks to your sponsorship, we were able to share hands-on learning experiences, spark curiosity, and build meaningful connections with young learners who might not otherwise have access to these kinds of opportunities. The kids' enthusiasm, creativity, and eagerness to learn were truly inspiring—and your support played a vital role in making that possible.

We are deeply grateful for your commitment to education and for helping us empower the next generation of STEM leaders, no matter where they live.